1. Home
  2. Award 2025
  3. Hospitality
  4. A shrine in the clouds

A shrine in the clouds

GAD

Hospitality  /  Future
GAD

The hotel is dramatically perched on a forested cliff overlooking UNESCO's Fuxian Lake, this hospitality project balances the client's 2.0 FAR mandate with preserving ecological integrity. The steep 45-degree slope necessitated vertically stacked guestroom modules, creating a cascading form that minimizes site disturbance while maximizing panoramic lake views. This sensitive yet efficient approach realizes a sustainable enclave organically embedded in the mountainside, achieving harmony between high-density development and fragile lakeside ecosystems through strategic orientation, native vegetation preservation, and water-sensitive design principles.

Community Wish List Special Prize

The voting session is closed

Wish
Aerial view 1

Nestled atop Fuxian Lake's mist-veiled summit, the site emerges as an ethereal sanctuary when viewed from below—embodying humanity's universal longing for mountaintop paradises across cultures. Our architecture dissolves into this sacred landscape, physically manifesting the collective dream of dwelling among clouds. Structures echo ridge contours while translucent membranes capture dancing light-vapor interplay. Cantilevered terraces float suspended in cloud drifts, framing primordial geology below. Here, design mediates between earth and sky, crafting sustainable spaces that resonate with profound environmental mythologies—where built form and natural spectacle become inseparable。

Aerial view 1

Entrance courtyard

The "cloud-summit sanctuary" at Fuxian Lake establishes a hierarchical spatial experience through its axial composition. Monumental guest room clusters form ceremonial courtyard sequences along the east-west axis, creating a ritual core that contrasts with the organic distribution of villas cascading down the terraced landscape. Villa design employs three key strategies: terraced setbacks guarantee panoramic lake views for all units, 12-15m glazed frontages maximize visual connection, and infinity-edge pools create optical continuity with the horizon. These private retreats maintain discreet footprints while enclosing generous courtyard spaces. Public facilities adopt an inverted spatial logic - rising above the tree canopy to establish visual landmarks. The central complex features arcaded walkways that choreograph movement through layered gardens, alternating between framed vistas and enclosed courtyards. A multifunctional platform serves as both ceremonial venue and viewpoint, accessible via a procession of stone steps that recall mountain village pathways. The material palette combines local stone bases with floating glass volumes, achieving contemporary minimalism while respecting the site's natural contours. This synthesis of axial monumentality and topographic responsiveness creates a truly distinctive lakeside retreat.

Dialogue between Open Courtyard and Distant Landscape
Nestled in Fuxian Lake Area, this project redefines lakeside hospitality through its 270° villa layout that guarantees panoramic lake views from every suite. While neighboring luxury resorts abound, our terrain-responsive design integrates activity spaces with the mountain's natural contours, creating a seamless blend of relaxation and immersive nature experiences. The result is a distinctive retreat where architecture harmonizes with landscape to elevate both visual and experiential value.

Credits

 YuXi City
 中国
 Red Star Macalline Group Corporation Ltd.
 12/2027
 61330 sq. m
 Confidential
 Ren Hong、Jin Tong、Ding Fengming、Bu Yu
 Ren Li、Cheng Wenxuan、Tang Jingwen
 N/A

Bio

GAD is a high-quality“problem-solving”oriented design company.It focuses on owners'demands,site problems,universal architectural and socio-cultural issues,design innovation and implementation.It provides Professional and reasonable design strategies in the ever-changing realities and conditions.
The cmpany has a all-profession team,6 business sectors and 28 years of practical experience.Our business covers the whole design process.The Design content ranges from“home”to“city”,from“nature”to“humanities”.We aim to provide more people with a dignified and quality life.

http://www.gad.com.cn/


© Maggioli SpA • THE PLAN • Via del Pratello 8 • 40122 Bologna, Italy • T +39 051 227634 • P. IVA 02066400405 • ISSN 2499-6602 • E-ISSN 2385-2054
ITC Avant Garde Gothic® is a trademark of Monotype ITC Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and which may be registered in certain other jurisdictions.